Posts from the Health Topics category

Using niacin to improve cholesterol levels doesn’t reduce heart attack or stroke in high risk patients We’ve all heard that lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels and raising HDL or “good” cholesterol is good for the heart. When lifestyle changes have not been adequate, most treatment effort in the management of heart disease and stroke… read more

Bryan Nelson, MD There may be times when a substance, sound or sensation of your body can take you by surprise and lead you to think, “Am I normal?” Here’s a look at some common curiosities to know what is normal, and when medical intervention may help. EARWAX Normal: Also known as cerumen, earwax helps… read more

Richard Zera, MD Breast cancer often makes itself known in its early stages, when there’s a good chance for a cure. But here’s the catch: You must be doing the right screenings to detect breast cancer. That includes monthly breast self-exams, regular clinical breast exams and regular mammograms. Yet many women still put off… read more

Q: Where are older adults more likely to have painful arthritis, Oregon or Saudi Arabia? A: The prevalence in chilly, wet Oregon in adults ages 65 to 74 is 49%, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The prevalence in hot, dry Saudi Arabia is 61% for that age group, according to the Saudi Medical… read more

We hear about prostate cancer awareness for men and breast cancer awareness for women, but there’s one cancer that both genders have an equal risk of developing: colon cancer. Colorectal cancer surpasses both breast and prostate cancer as the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. However, it’s a largely preventable disease with… read more

Bad breaks – First aid for broken bones You should suspect a fracture if: • You or your child heard a snap or grinding noise during the injury . • The injury is swollen, bruised or tender. • Your child cannot bear weight on the injury, touch it, press on it or move it without… read more

Eva’s dream comes true. Eva’s family came to the United States when she was six years old. They brought hopes and dreams of a better life than they had known in their native country of Guatemala. Unfortunately, that dream came to an end when her mother couldn’t find work and Eva was forced to return… read more

Achieving that perfect glow in the summer is a popular goal for many sunbathers. However, that perfect glow can come at a cost. In recent years, cancer rates have fallen thanks to better screening methods and awareness. Yet the number of skin cancers is on the rise, with nearly one in five Americans expected to… read more

According to the American Lung Association, an estimated 6.5 million U.S. children under the age of 18 suffer from asthma. Approximately 200,000 children are hospitalized each year because of the disease.* Although asthma is serious and the most common chronic disease among children, the condition can be managed with proper treatment so children with asthma… read more

Roger had always been proud of his thick, shiny, full head of hair, and he never hesitated to spend time and money maintaining it. So when he noticed his hairline receding at his temples and thinning on top, he was heartbroken – and committed to understanding male-pattern baldness and finding a way to fight it.… read more

Your child has been visiting the same doctor’s office for the past 13 years. The picture books and small chairs have been there even longer. When is it time for your child to have a “grown-up” relationship with a physician? Hennepin County Medical Center’s Julia Joseph-Di Caprio, MD, is a pediatrician who specializes in adolescent… read more

Did you know you can actually improve your health while you sleep? It’s true. Your sleep position – whether you’re a side, back or stomach sleeper – not only affects the quality of your sleep, it also can help alleviate or aggravate certain conditions, like sleep apnea, acid reflux and more. Wake up on the… read more

It can start as a dull ache – barely noticeable – but by the end of the day you’re clutching your forehead in pain. Most of the time, headaches are a nuisance and nothing to worry about. If headaches disrupt your life on a regular basis, however, they should be discussed with a physician. Neurologist… read more

David Hilden, MD, specialist in Internal Medicine and host of WCCO Radio’s Healthy Matters says, “This is especially tricky if you have never had influenza. Since colds can make you feel really miserable, lots of people mistake it for influenza. But … once you get influenza, you usually know it as it hits most people… read more

Scalding caused by hot liquids or steam is the most common type of burn among children. It’s often caused by hot foods or liquids spilled in the kitchen. Another common scalding burn, caused by tap water, typically occurs in the bathroom. Hot water taps tend to cover a larger part of the body and the… read more